How to Get Through a Bad Day
Everyone has the occasional bad day, where nothing seems to go right, and you begin to suspect that the world is turning against you.
While it's important that you don't sweep real problems or issues under the carpet - sometimes you just need to 'get through the day' - with the least amount of collateral damage.
Here are some strategies to understand your emotions and feel more positive.
Feel it
Whether it's a broken boiler, an unreliable friend or bad news – you're likely to be angry or frustrated at being let down. The first thing to do when your day turns sour is acknowledge your feelings. Be sympathetic with yourself and try to accept how you feel.
Step away
When you have fully experienced your emotions you can detach from them and ask yourself if there is anything that can be done about the situation. If there isn't, you need to think about what you can learn from the experience. Imagining how you would avoid the same scenario in the future is a good way of regaining any lost sense of control.
Distract yourself
While most problems will need to be dealt with in one way or another, dwelling or focusing on them can make them seem much worse than they are. If you're not at work going for a walk, chatting with friends or listening to your i-pod are all good ways to take your mind off negative events. It's vital to take some time for yourself when you're feeling stuck or down, but whatever the distraction is make sure you engage in it consciously.
Avoid indulging
When we are depressed it's easy to turn to unhelpful coping mechanisms. It's tempting to find solace in a cigarette, drink or food to get through a bad day. Not only is this not helpful but it can exacerbate the problem and leave you feeling guilty as well. People do this to avoid the situation, but then end up beating themselves up for the rest of the day.
End your day with something positive
Try and something that will make you laugh. Laughter really is the best medicine. We've heard the expression time and again and there’s a reason for that. Numerous research studies have demonstrated how humour helps patients relieve stress and heal.
If laughing seems like too much of a stretch, try and write down 10 things you are grateful for. While this may sound trivial it can help to put things in perspective and put you in a more positive frame of mind for the day that follows.
Remind yourself throughout the day -"This too will pass"
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